Manaslu & Tsum Valley

Package Highlights

Discover the secret Tibetan Buddhist land in Nepal lying at the edge of one of the most secluded Himalayan valleys.

Tsum Valley is one of world's remotest Himalayan Valleys, which was a restricted region until 2008. The trek to Tsum Valley takes you into the majestic surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges.The region once being part of Tibet looks completely different from what you will find elsewhere in Nepal. The people of Tsum Valley or the Tsumbas belong to Tibetan origin with their own ancient form of dialect, art, culture and religion. Very few adventure travelers have made it to this high and mysterious valley, which used to be an important trade link with Tibet.

In the initial days, we take the route of Around Manaslu Trek or the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Tsum Valley lies on the northern part of Manaslu and is still less exposed in comparison to other touristy areas, with relatively virgin and less beaten paths. The Tsumbas have their own way of family life, which may be quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.

The trek start and end point is Arughat, seven hours drive away from Kathmandu. The first half of the trek ascends the BudhiGandaki Valley on good paths through a mix of dense forest, terraced fields and hill villages. As we leave the main Manaslu Trail for the Tsum valley, suddenly we get a feeling of entering truly into the hidden valley. While on the trek, we also pass through the alpine forests, glacial rivers, and enjoy the warm hospitality of ethnic people. Pass the lower BuriGandaki regions of Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat and Philim. We also visit the ancient Gombas of the region such as: RachenGompa, MuGompa, Dephyudonma Gompa.